Flittering Eyes
Known as the Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus), this large moth is a member of the family of giant silkworm moths known as Saturniidae. Other members of the family include the striking Cecropia and Luna moths. This silkmoth is named after Polyphemus, a one-eyed creature of Greek mythology, because of its large "eyespots" on the lower wings. When disturbed, it will beat its wings rapidly, show the eyespots, as a way to frighten some predators. The polyphemus moth can have a wingspan of up to six inches. It is common throughout Pennsylvania although members of this family seem to be in decline in the Northeast. Some researchers speculate that increasing night-time light levels may contribute to behavioral changes and cause increasing mortality.
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